Statement of intent - Social Research Agenda - 2004 - 2008

The ASC is looking to position itself as the leader in sport research in this country through undertaking and supporting reliable evidence-based research that:

• verifies claims of the social, health and economic benefits attributable to involvement in sport;
• investigates issues relevant to sport participation and excellence in performance;
• identifies the determinates i.e. the why and why not behind structured physical activity;
• assesses stakeholder (partners and clients) satisfaction with ASC products and services;
• takes into consideration the Australian Institute of Sport’s research agenda of collaborative and discretionary activities and identifies possible synergies;
• monitors sports industry trends; and importantly,
• evaluates the impact of ASC programs and policies.

The aim of this structured research is to gain a sufficient level of understanding so as to enable the ASC to predict future trends which will in turn guide the development of programs delivered to sport.

The Statement of Intent – ASC Social Research Agenda 2004-08 details how the ASC will initiate, encourage and facilitate research and development against these areas. It affirms the ASC’s research position, articulates our guiding principles and outlines how the ASC Social Research Agenda underpins our business.

The ASC’s Strategic Plan 2004-2008 shapes the ASC Social Research Agenda. The major themes, target areas and strategies identified, while designed to ensure effective and efficient achievement of ASC corporate objectives, also provide direction to improve knowledge and evidence-based benefits derived from the ASC’s programs, the case for sport and understanding of the broader sport industry.

ASC Research Aims and Objectives

• To provide the evidence base to inform the development, testing and achievements of ASC programs and policies.
• To measure progress against program outcomes and strategic objectives.
• To provide validated evidence on:
• the case for sport, the sport environment and the capacity building to demonstrate investments are achieving desired results;
• the determinants behind structured physical activity.
• Assess stakeholder (partners and clients) satisfaction with ASC products and services.
• To inform future planning

Priority Research Areas

The priority social research for the Agenda has been identified from two sources.

ASC Annual Operational Plan, and Social Research Panel Meeting “Think Tank” held in August 2003.

The Social Research Panel Meeting was made up of independent group of academics that identified where gaps were evident in the literature or in current and proposed academic social research activity. At the same time a review of ASC program research needs was undertaken. These two sources were consolidated into one list of A, B and C level priority research areas as follows:

Priority Level A

• Children & youth: Participation levels/trends; and Attitudes, motivations and determinants of behaviour towards sport;
• Non participating sport area/industry: Volunteers, officials, referees, recruitment & retention;
• ERASS project management, analysis and interpretation of findings;
• ASC Research web-site revamp;
• Quality assurance of ASC research.

Priority Level B

• Adult: Participation levels/trends; Attitudes, motivations and determinants of behaviour towards sport; Continuation of participation trends both domestic and abroad;
• Research advice, assistance and/or coaching to Programs;
• ASC Program Monitoring & Evaluation.

Priority Level C

• Case for Sport: Health, economic and social benefits derived from sport; frequency/type/level of activity required to derive health benefits;
• International benchmark & trend data;
• Consolidating/Re-establishing industry body and professional networks.

ASC Social Research Agenda 2004-2008

The ASC Social Research Agenda 2004-08, which details the priority areas and data outcomes the ASC intends to pursue with the five identified social research themes for the preceding four years.

The Social Research Agenda will be reviewed and up-dated bi-annually. Its relevance and currency will be challenged by the ASC’s independent Social Research Panel to ensure it has the flexibility and rigor to adapt to changing industry needs and organisational priorities.

Note: The ASC has considered the SCORS Research Group (SRG) Future Needs Plan (compiled in October 2003) and the 2004-05 SRG Work Plan. Relevant links between the Research Agenda and the SRG plans are identified in the attached Agenda.

Research Coordination

The Research and Corporate Planning section is responsible for managing the ASC Research Agenda. Duties and responsibilities include:

• Managing the ASC Social Research Agenda and associated research program;
• Overseeing the quality assurance of all ASC research;
• Identifying and articulating the key research issues significant to the ASC that need to be addressed through the Agenda;
• Overseeing the operation of the independent ASC Social Research Panel;
• Ensuring the ASC has in place a clear and consistent research framework that enables programs to efficiently and effectively identify information needs and develop methods for monitoring and evaluating program outcomes;
• Providing advice, assistance and coaching on priority organisational and program research;
• Commissioning and contract managing significant research projects;
• Conducting “in-house” research;
• Maintaining a corporate research register;
• Reviewing, critiquing and integrating relevant research findings with current and intended ASC business practices and policies; and
• Disseminating sport-related research findings and educating stakeholders on its relevance and appropriate use.

Assuring Our Research

The ASC will adopt quality assurance processes and procedures that are consistent with accepted social research “best-practice” and the industry code of conduct.

The ASC Research Framework provides the basis for the standardisation of methodological practices and the Framework Guidelines will ensure efficient and effective identification, approval, contract management, analysis, interpretation and reporting research practice.